By Peter Ochieng
President William Ruto has appointed 20 new High Court judges.
The appointment was confirmed via a gazette notice dated May 9.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint… to be Judges of the High Court of Kenya.”
The names of the judges were forwarded to him by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) last week, on the backdrop of interviews conducted between April 03 and May 03, 2024.
JSC, headed by Chief Justice Martha Koome advertised for the 20 vacancies on October 13, 2023. The Commission received a total of 305 applications and shortlisted 100 candidates.
Among the applicants was former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wanyonyi Wafula Chebukati. He did not make the cut.
Of the 100 shortlisted, only 95 candidates were interviewed after 4 withdrew their applications, while 1 candidate (Winrida Mokaya Boyani) was appointed the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.
Here is the full list of the 20 new High Court judges:
Moses Ado Otieno
Alice Chepngetich Bett Soi
Benjamin Mwikya Musyoka
John Lolwatan Tamar
Francis Weche Andayi
Andrew Bahati Mwamuye
Julius Kipkosgei Ng’arng’ar
Wendy Kagendo Micheni
Emily Onyando Ominde
Helen Rafaela Namisi
Alexander Muasya Muteti
Julius Mukut Nangea
Benjamin Kimani Njoroge
Caroline Jepyegen Kendagor
Stephen Nzisi Mbungi
Linus Poghon Kassan
Noel Onditi Adagi Inziani
Tabitha Ouya Wanyama
Rhoda Cherotich Ruto
Joe Omido Mkutu